CS Sfaxien seal Confederation Cup return after strong league finish

CS Sfaxien have officially secured a return to continental football after finishing third in the Tunisian Ligue Professionnelle 1 standings to qualify for next season’s CAF Confederation Cup.

The Black and White club confirmed their place in Africa after an impressive end to the campaign, with experienced Tunisian internationals Ali Maaloul and Hamza Mathlouthi playing important roles in the team’s successful push for continental qualification.

While Sfaxien celebrated their return to Africa, Espérance Sportive de Tunis booked a place in the CAF Champions League for an 11th consecutive season after finishing second behind newly crowned champions Club Africain.

Club Africain had already wrapped up the Tunisian league title with one game to spare following a crucial 1-0 victory over Esperance earlier in the title race.

The final round of the season produced intense drama as Sfaxien and Esperance battled for the remaining Champions League spot. Esperance ultimately secured second place after edging US Ben Guerdane 1-0 thanks to a decisive strike from Hamza Rafia.

The victory lifted Esperance to 63 points, enough to finish runners-up and clinch Champions League qualification.

Despite missing out on second place by just one point, Sfaxien ended the season on a high note with a commanding 3-1 victory over Étoile Sportive du Sahel in a classic Tunisian showdown in Sousse.

Omar Ben Ali starred with a brace, while Mohamed Saleh Mahdhebi added the third goal for Sfaxien. Osama Obeid scored the consolation goal for Etoile du Sahel.

Sfaxien finished the campaign with 62 points, narrowly missing out on a Champions League ticket but successfully returning to continental competition after missing Africa entirely this season. Their previous continental appearance ended at the group stage.

Veteran left-back Ali Maaloul enjoyed another influential season, scoring two goals and providing five assists in 24 league appearances. Mathlouthi also made his presence felt, netting twice in 15 matches for the Sfax-based club.

The return to African competition marks an important step in Sfaxien’s rebuilding project as the club looks to re-establish itself among the continent’s top sides next season.